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'
This newsletter is just for SoonerCare
members. It will tell you about any
changes or updates to your SoonerCare
benefits. It will also give you other useful
news to help keep you healthy. However,
if you have specific questions about your
health, please talk to your doctor.
Your SoonerCare Companion will arrive
in your mailbox about every four months
from the Oklahoma Health Care Authority.
If you have questions about SoonerCare,
please call the SoonerCare Helpline at
1-800-987-7767.
Oklahoma Health
Care Authority
2401 NW 23rd St.
Suite 1-A
Oklahoma City, OK
73107
www.okhca.org
Winter 2011
OHCA seeking input from
‘dual’ members
Inside
"Safe sleep" tips for sleeping infants
Soda or pop?
Foot problems & diabetes
Stick with one pharmacy
Vaccine records provided
Paper plate snowman craft
Oklahoma is one of 15 states us-ing
federal grant money to design
a more coordinated plan for people
who receive both Medicare and
SoonerCare.
Grant staff is asking members
who qualify for both programs
for help. They are working on a
program that might better serve
members needs. The grant staff es-tablished
Dual Eligible Stakeholder
Workgroups. Workgroups are
asking members with dual cov-erage
under both programs to
share their ideas for improv-ing
service. The workgroups
include people with many
viewpoints. Project staff also share
ideas from other workgroups.
The workgroups are open to
anyone who is interested. Every
workgroup will focus on principles
that support improvements in:
• Access, quality and reductions
in Medicare and Medicaid spend-ing
over time.
• Actual care experience and
lives of qualified members.
• Overall goals of better health,
better care, and lower costs
through improvement.
Workgroup Descriptions:
Behavioral Health Services -
June.Logan@okhca.org
This workgroup will look at
current service. They also will
look at what other states have
done to meet the needs of people
who receive benefits from both
programs. They will be asked to
look at what changes would do for
members receiving mental health
and substance abuse services.
Continued on page 4
Dual Enrollees by Race
Race is self-reported by members at the time of enrollment. The multiple race members have selected two or more races. Hispanic is an ethnicity not
a race. Hispanics can be of any race and are accounted for in a race category above.
Have a safe
and healthy
holiday season. Get
your annual flu shot so you
don't become one of the
200,000 people who are
hospitalized each
year with the f lu!
2
Soda or
pop?
It’s trouble
for your teeth
either way
People use different words to describe
sugary, carbonated soft drinks. But
whatever you call it, they are talking
about something that can cause real oral
health problems.
Soft drinks are one of the most
common sources of cavities and they
affect people of all ages. The sugar and
acid in soft drinks soften tooth enamel,
which can lead to cavities. Sugar-free
and diet soft drinks can cause problems
too! It is best to stay away from all kinds
of sugary drinks if you can.
We’re Drinking More and More...
Studies show we are drinking more
soft drinks than ever, especially children
and teenagers. Some teens drink as
many as 12 soft drinks a day!
We can all benefit from cutting down
on the number of soft drinks we take in.
● Stock the frige with less sugary
drinks, such as water, milk and 100
percent fruit juice.
● Rinse your mouth with water after
drinking a soft drink.
● Use fluoride toothpaste; fluoride
reduces cavities and makes your teeth
stronger.
● Your dentist can apply fluoride during
your twice yearly visits.
● Your pediatrician can apply fluoride
varnish.
● Be certain to brush your teeth well
before going to sleep!
Making an
appointment
Call your medical home doctor as early in the day as possible.
Appointments fill up quickly.
If you are unable to get an appointment within the next day, and
you are sick, ask to speak to the triage nurse at your doctor’s office.
Be sure to tell the triage nurse all of your symptoms.
Your doctor may offer you home-care advice until your
appointment. Your medical home doctor will decide when you
need to be seen.
If you have a problem getting an appointment with your medi-cal
home doctor and you are sick, call the SoonerCare Helpline
at 1-800-987-7767.
Ask the Tooth Fairy
With recent recalls of drop-side cribs
and other crib designs, many parents
may be wondering if their children's cribs
are safe.
Parents may unknowingly be choosing unsafe alternatives for
their babies. The chance of death among infants is higher when adult
beds, standard size mattresses, couches, futons and recliners are
used. There is an increased risk of death caused by accidental suf-focation
and strangulation, according to the Oklahoma State Depart-ment
of Health.
A safe crib, bassinet or portable crib is still the safest place for an
infant to sleep. To help reduce the number of infant deaths related to
unsafe sleep places:
● Infants should sleep only in cribs or bassinets approved by the
Consumer Product Safety Commission.
● Infants should sleep on a firm sleep surface, such as on a safety
approved crib mattress, covered by a tightly fitted sheet.
● Keep soft bedding, quilts, comforters, bumper pads, pillows,
sheepskin and toys out of the crib.
● Keep the infant’s sleep area close, but separate from where you
and others sleep.
● Always place the infant on his or her back to sleep.
For more information go to “Preparing for a Lifetime, It’s Every-one’s
Responsibility” at http://iio.health.ok.gov and click on Safe
Sleep, or view the AAP website at www.aap.org.
‘Safe sleep’ tips
for infants
3
As summer has turned into fall and fall is now
turning in to winter, we are losing daylight. Loss
of daylight can make people sad. Not just sad - as
in feelings of unhappiness or regret - but an actual
emotional condition that mirrors the change of season.
S.A.D., or seasonal affective disorder, is a mental
health condition associated with a decrease in the
amount of sunlight received.
S.A.D. may look like regular depression in many ways
but affects most people during the periods of shorter
light, such as winter. Symptoms of seasonal affective
disorder may include anxiety, feelings of depression, loss
of energy, hopelessness, irritability and other symptoms.
Treatment is available for seasonal affective disorder.
One recommendation is to increase the amount of
sunlight received.
Since most of us don’t have the option of moving
closer to the equator during the winter, though that is
effective, there are other alternatives.
One form of therapy is to increase the amount of
light received using light therapy. With this technique, a
doctor prescribes using a light box for a fixed amount of
time each day.
Another alternative may be for your doctor to
prescribe anti-depressant medication alone or in
conjunction with psychotherapy. Various types of
psychotherapy have been shown to be effective with
treating depression and this may be an option.
Getting out and exercising is also beneficial.
Being active can boost energy and you may feel
less depressed.
Exercise gets blood pumping and increases delivery of
oxygen to the brain and other parts of the body.
Of course, all of these approaches only should be started
after consulting with your primary care doctor to make
sure it is safe.
Dealing with S.A.D, depression at holidays
Nerve damage, blood flow problems and infections
can cause serious foot problems for people with diabetes.
Nerve damage can cause you to lose feeling in your feet.
Nerve damage also can deform or change the shape of
your feet and cause blisters, sores or ulcers. Poor blood
flow can make these injuries slow to heal.
Signs of Foot Problems
See your doctor right away if you have any of these
symptoms:
● Your feet tingle, burn or hurt.
● Your feet cannot feel heat, cold or touch.
● Loss of hair on feet, toes or lower legs.
● Dry or cracked skin on your feet.
● Toenails turn thick and yellow.
● Blisters, sores, ulcers, infected corns and ingrown
toenails develop.
How Can I Protect My Feet?
● Keep your blood sugar as close to normal as possible.
● Do not smoke or use tobacco.
● Ask your doctor to check your feet at every visit.
● Ask your doctor how to care for your feet.
● Check your feet each day for scratches, cracks, cuts
or blisters.
● Call your doctor if you have a sore on your foot.
● Wash your feet daily. Dry them carefully, especially
between the toes.
● Rub lotion or cream on the tops and bottoms of your
feet, but not between the toes. Ask your doctor what
kind of lotion to use.
● Do not soak your feet. Soaking your feet can lead
to infections.
Foot Problems & Diabetes
4
Your pharmacist is a very important part of your health care team.
Your pharmacist can:
● Tell you how your medicine works.
● Tell you the best way and right time to take your medicine.
● Warn you about side effects.
● Check to make sure that all your medicines work together safely.
● Help your doctor get prior authorization for the medicines that
need approval. Prior authorizations only work at one pharmacy.
If you switch to a different pharmacy, you may have to wait for a
new prior authorization before your prescription can be filled.
Mixing the wrong medicines can be very dangerous. If you take
your prescriptions to different pharmacies, the pharmacist will not be
able to make sure all your medicines work together safely. Allow the
pharmacy and pharmacist to work for you. Stick with one pharmacy!
Benefits of using one pharmacy
Antibiotics are powerful medications
that save lives when used correctly.
Antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses.
Viruses cause colds, influenza and most
sore throats. Antibiotics are not a proper
course of treatment for these illnesses.
When antibiotics are used improperly,
they can result in antibiotic resistance or
even serious side effects such as allergic
reactions.Incorrect antibiotics use results in
thousands of emergency room visits each
year.
Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant
bacteria have become increasingly
common in both health care and
community settings. Treatment of illnesses
caused by antibiotic-resistant organisms
can result in lengthy and repeated
treatments and hospitalizations.
Patients, health care providers, hospital
administrators and policy makers
must work together to utilize safe and
effective programs to ensure correct use
of antibiotics.
Use antibiotics correctly
Take the antibiotic exactly as the doctor
prescribes. Do not skip doses. Complete the
prescribed course of treatment, even if you
start feeling better.
● Only take antibiotics prescribed for
you; do not share or use leftover
antibiotics. Antibiotics treat specific
types of infections. Taking the wrong
medicine may delay correct treatment
and allow bacteria to multiply.
● Avoid saving antibiotics for the
next illness. Discard any leftover
medication once the prescribed course
of treatment is completed.
● Prevent infections by practicing
good hand hygiene and getting
recommended vaccines.
● Do not ask for antibiotics when your
doctor thinks you do not need them.
Remember antibiotics have side
effects. When your doctor says you
don’t need an antibiotic, taking one
may do more harm than good.
Proper use of
antibiotics urged
OHCA seeks input continued from page 1
Coordination of Care and Benefits
Sarah.Harding@okhca.org
This workgroup will look at proposals for provider education.
The group will talk with providers as they consider the impact of
the proposed changes. The group will also make sure prevention and
transitions are part of the proposal.
Communication: Outreach and Public Information
David.Ward@okhca.org
The communications workgroup will come up with a plan for
communicating with members and others.
Financing Strategies and Quality Medical Outcomes
Marva.Williamson@okhca.org
This group will look at performance, outcomes, financing and
other parts of the existing programs. Their recommendations will
include information about the plan’s effectiveness, quality and cost
outcomes for the target group.
The third SoonerCare Sooner Silver meeting is Jan. 19, 11
a.m. to 2 p.m. at OHCA – South in the Seminole Conference
Room. For more information contact Brandie Candelaria at
brandie.candelaria@okhca.org.
5
Vaccine records provided
Remember the Oklahoma State Department of Health
(OSDH) Immunization Service distributes the state's
official vaccination record, OSDH Form No. 218B. This
record is designed for parents to keep a personal record
of their child’s vaccinations from birth through adoles-cence.
It is made of tear and water resistant paper and
folds to credit card size. When signed or stamped by a
physician or clinic this record is accepted for a child to
attend childcare or school in Oklahoma and many other
states.
Healthy snacks
Provide healthy ingredients and let kids help in the
kitchen!
Homemade Berry Banana Smoothies
Blend fat-free, low-fat yogurt or milk with fresh or
frozen berries. Blend with bananas and ice for a tasty
treat. For a dairy-free alternative, try soy milk.
To add extra sweetness to your smoothie, try adding a
little 100 percent apple or orange juice to the mix!
Fruit kabobs
Assemble pieces of melon, apple, orange, pear and
banana on skewers for a fruity kabob.
Homemade trail mix
Look to your pantry for some ingredients to use for a
healthy alternative to store bought trail mix.
Use unsalted peanuts, cashews, walnuts, or sunflower
seeds mixed with dried apples, pineapple, cherries,
apricots, or raisins. Include whole-grain cereals or 100
percent cocoa powder to the mix, too.
Source: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/foodgroups/downloads/
TenTips/DGTipsheet11KidFriendlyVeggiesAndFruits.pdf
Acetaminophen is the generic name for Tylenol®. It
is found in many different over-the-counter cold
medicines. It is also in other drugs that require a
prescription, such as Lortab® and Vicodin®. It is used
to reduce fevers and to relieve pain.
Acetaminophen is safe and effective when used
correctly, but it can cause liver damage if you take too
much. Liver damage is very dangerous and can lead to
serious illness, or even death.
Look for the ingredients listed on the side of the box
or on the prescription printout to see if any of the
medicines you take contain acetaminophen. An
abbreviation for acetaminophen is “APAP,” so be sure
to look for this too. If more than one of your medicines
has acetaminophen, check with your doctor or pharma-cist
before taking them.
To protect yourself, the FDA recommends you:
1) Follow dosing directions and never take more
than directed. Even a small amount more than directed
can cause liver damage.
2) Don’t take acetaminophen for more days than
directed.
3) Don’t take more than one medicine that contains
acetaminophen at a time. For example, your risk of liver
damage goes up if you take a medicine that contains
acetaminophen to treat a headache and you take another
medicine that contains acetaminophen to treat a cold.
4) Don’t take acetaminophen if you are drinking
alcohol, or after drinking three or more alcoholic
beverages.
If you think you may have taken more acetamino-phen
than directed, contact the poison control center
(800-222-1222). For more information about using
acetaminophen safely, check with your pharmacist,
doctor or nurse.
Safe Use of
Acetaminophen
6
Disclaimer: Clinical, legal and other comments are offered for general
information only. Please talk to your doctor about specific health concerns.
Si usted quiere leer éste
artículo en español, visite
la pagina web del OHCA
al http://www.okhca.org/
soonercare companion.
This publication, printed by O. U. Printing Services is issued by The Oklahoma Health Care Authority as authorized
by Title VI and Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. 257,000 copies have been
prepared and distributed at a cost of $18,300.00 Copies have been deposited with the Publications Clearinghouse
of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. [74 O.S.2001 § 3105 (C)]Download additional copies on the OHCA
website http://www.okhca.org/soonercare companion - SNLENG-COMPAN-Winter 2011
Directions:
1. Line up the paper plates, one above the
other. Plates should be front side down. Poke a
hole at the bottom of the top plate, about a half
inch above the lip of the plate. On the second
plate, poke one hole at the top and one holeat
the bottom, again about a half inch above the
lip. Poke a hole at the top of the last plate.
2. Cut one pipe cleaner into three equal pieces.
Thread one through each of the holes to attach
the three plates together.
3. Draw or make the face from construction
paper and glue to top plate.
4. Make a hat from construction paper. Glue
on a band and holly leaf. Cut a hole at the top
of the hat to attach a ribbon or yarn hanger.
Instead of a hat you can make ear muffs from
a pipe cleaner and pom pom balls. Glue to the
top plate.
5. Add the hanger to the top plate.
6. Tie a scrap of fabric between plate one and
two.
7. Make holes in the plate to insert pipe clean-ers
for arms and tape to the back of the plate.
8. Glue or draw on buttons.
Hang your snowman on your door.
What you'll need:
• three paper plates, dinner or dessert size
• construction paper - black and colors
• pipe cleaners
• 2 large red pom pom balls for earmuffs
• scrap material for scarf
• ribbon or yarn for hanger
• three to five large buttons
• black marker
• white craft glue
• tape
Snowman Ornament
or Gift Tag
Supplies:
* white poster board
* black, red, green and orange
construction paper
* scrap cloth and yarn
Directions:
1. Cut three circles and one sign from
the white poster board. Overlap circles
and glue together.
2. Cut mitten shapes, hat, band, holly,
scarf and nose.
3. Use hole punch to cut black circles for
eyes, mouth and buttons.
Glue the snowman pieces together.
Punch a hole at the top of the hat and
add a yarn loop.
Paper Plate Snowman
Visit www.okhca.org/kids-corner for patterns.
7
Make a New Year’s resolution to
quit nicotine
Call the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW to work with
a Quit Coach on the best quit plan for you. The call is free, the coaching is
free and you may be eligible to receive free gum or patches.
Five Day Countdown
Start by visiting your health care provider and asking them for help with
quitting. Then make your home and vehicle a tobacco free zone.
5 Days Before Your Quit Date
Think about your reasons for quitting. Write them down.
Tell your friends and family you are planning to quit.
Stop buying cigarettes.
4 Days Before Your Quit Date
Pay attention to when and why you smoke.
Think of other things to hold in your hand instead of a cigarette
Think of habits or routines to change.
3 Days Before Your Quit Date
What will you do with the extra money when you stop buying cigarettes?
Make a list.
Think about who you can contact when you need help.
2 Days Before Your Quit Date
If you are using prescription medications or other quit smoking aides, make
sure you have those filled and you understand how to use them.
1 Day Before Your Quit Date
Put away lighters and ashtrays.
Destroy all cigarettes and matches.
Clean your clothes to get rid of the smell of cigarette smoke.
Quit Day
Think of yourself as a non-smoker.
Remind family and friends that this is your quit day.
Stay away from alcohol.
Do something special for yourself.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
SoonerQuit
Facts
Save Money
The average price for a pack of
cigarettes in Oklahoma is approxi-mately
$4.80.
At a pack a day, that adds up to
about $1,752 a year. Over 10 years,
that’s $17,520.
Save Time
On average it takes seven minutes to
smoke a cigarette. At a pack a day,
that’s just over two hours and 20
minutes. Over 10 years, that’s 354
days or almost one entire year spent
smoking.
Feel Better (Source: American
Lung Association)
Within 20 minutes of quitting:
Blood pressure decreases and pulse
rate drops.
Within 8 hours of quitting:
Oxygen level in blood returns
to normal.
Within 24 hours of quitting:
Chance of a heart attack decreases.
Within 48 hours of quitting:
Ability to smell and taste
is enhanced.
Within three months of quitting:
Circulation and lung
function improve.
Within nine months of quitting:
Coughing, sinus congestion,
wheezing, fatigue and shortness of
breath decrease.
Within one year of quitting:
Risk of coronary heart disease
is lowered to half of that of
a smoker.
“I made it one minute. I made it ten minutes.
And then all of the sudden, I made it an hour.
I made it two. And then, I made it a whole day.
I said, ‘I can do this’.”
Amy Rather, 31 | Smoked 5 years | Smokefree 3 years
Like us on
Facebook
www.okhca.org/facebook
Follow us on
Twitter:
www.okhca.org/twitter.
Oklahoma Health Care Authority
2401 NW 23rd St.
Suite 1-A
Oklahoma City, OK 73107
www.okhca.org
Seven-year-old Piper Johnson’s mother, Barbara,
says the call she got from a SoonerCare outreach staff
member reminding her to renew her daughter’s health
insurance came not a moment too soon. A few days
later, Piper had been flown from her Wilberton home to
a Tulsa hospital, diagnosed with severe complications
from diabetes.
“The call and appointment came at just the right time
to save her life,” Barbara Johnson said. “She’s a happy,
healthy child and we didn’t know anything was wrong.”
Piper’s story and her mother’s call to thank a
SoonerCare outreach employee inspired OHCA’s new
campaign, “Tell Us Your Story.” The agency is asking
SoonerCare members to share their SoonerCare stories
and how it has made a difference in their lives and the
lives of their loved ones.
More than 472,000 Oklahoma children are
currently enrolled in SoonerCare. It provides medical,
dental and vision coverage for children who qualify.
Soonercare provides quality health care for 1 in 4
Oklahomans. If you are one of the more than 700,000
members, or a former member, OHCA wants to hear
from you! What has SoonerCare done for you or your
child? Whether it is life-saving medical treatment
or the ability to provide much needed care for your
child, we would like to hear how SoonerCare made a
difference in your life.
OHCA is asking SoonerCare members across
Oklahoma to share their SoonerCare stories and put
their stories on SoonerCare’s map.
Go to http://www.okhca.org/tell-us-your-story.aspx
and share your story.

'
This newsletter is just for SoonerCare
members. It will tell you about any
changes or updates to your SoonerCare
benefits. It will also give you other useful
news to help keep you healthy. However,
if you have specific questions about your
health, please talk to your doctor.
Your SoonerCare Companion will arrive
in your mailbox about every four months
from the Oklahoma Health Care Authority.
If you have questions about SoonerCare,
please call the SoonerCare Helpline at
1-800-987-7767.
Oklahoma Health
Care Authority
2401 NW 23rd St.
Suite 1-A
Oklahoma City, OK
73107
www.okhca.org
Winter 2011
OHCA seeking input from
‘dual’ members
Inside
"Safe sleep" tips for sleeping infants
Soda or pop?
Foot problems & diabetes
Stick with one pharmacy
Vaccine records provided
Paper plate snowman craft
Oklahoma is one of 15 states us-ing
federal grant money to design
a more coordinated plan for people
who receive both Medicare and
SoonerCare.
Grant staff is asking members
who qualify for both programs
for help. They are working on a
program that might better serve
members needs. The grant staff es-tablished
Dual Eligible Stakeholder
Workgroups. Workgroups are
asking members with dual cov-erage
under both programs to
share their ideas for improv-ing
service. The workgroups
include people with many
viewpoints. Project staff also share
ideas from other workgroups.
The workgroups are open to
anyone who is interested. Every
workgroup will focus on principles
that support improvements in:
• Access, quality and reductions
in Medicare and Medicaid spend-ing
over time.
• Actual care experience and
lives of qualified members.
• Overall goals of better health,
better care, and lower costs
through improvement.
Workgroup Descriptions:
Behavioral Health Services -
June.Logan@okhca.org
This workgroup will look at
current service. They also will
look at what other states have
done to meet the needs of people
who receive benefits from both
programs. They will be asked to
look at what changes would do for
members receiving mental health
and substance abuse services.
Continued on page 4
Dual Enrollees by Race
Race is self-reported by members at the time of enrollment. The multiple race members have selected two or more races. Hispanic is an ethnicity not
a race. Hispanics can be of any race and are accounted for in a race category above.
Have a safe
and healthy
holiday season. Get
your annual flu shot so you
don't become one of the
200,000 people who are
hospitalized each
year with the f lu!
2
Soda or
pop?
It’s trouble
for your teeth
either way
People use different words to describe
sugary, carbonated soft drinks. But
whatever you call it, they are talking
about something that can cause real oral
health problems.
Soft drinks are one of the most
common sources of cavities and they
affect people of all ages. The sugar and
acid in soft drinks soften tooth enamel,
which can lead to cavities. Sugar-free
and diet soft drinks can cause problems
too! It is best to stay away from all kinds
of sugary drinks if you can.
We’re Drinking More and More...
Studies show we are drinking more
soft drinks than ever, especially children
and teenagers. Some teens drink as
many as 12 soft drinks a day!
We can all benefit from cutting down
on the number of soft drinks we take in.
● Stock the frige with less sugary
drinks, such as water, milk and 100
percent fruit juice.
● Rinse your mouth with water after
drinking a soft drink.
● Use fluoride toothpaste; fluoride
reduces cavities and makes your teeth
stronger.
● Your dentist can apply fluoride during
your twice yearly visits.
● Your pediatrician can apply fluoride
varnish.
● Be certain to brush your teeth well
before going to sleep!
Making an
appointment
Call your medical home doctor as early in the day as possible.
Appointments fill up quickly.
If you are unable to get an appointment within the next day, and
you are sick, ask to speak to the triage nurse at your doctor’s office.
Be sure to tell the triage nurse all of your symptoms.
Your doctor may offer you home-care advice until your
appointment. Your medical home doctor will decide when you
need to be seen.
If you have a problem getting an appointment with your medi-cal
home doctor and you are sick, call the SoonerCare Helpline
at 1-800-987-7767.
Ask the Tooth Fairy
With recent recalls of drop-side cribs
and other crib designs, many parents
may be wondering if their children's cribs
are safe.
Parents may unknowingly be choosing unsafe alternatives for
their babies. The chance of death among infants is higher when adult
beds, standard size mattresses, couches, futons and recliners are
used. There is an increased risk of death caused by accidental suf-focation
and strangulation, according to the Oklahoma State Depart-ment
of Health.
A safe crib, bassinet or portable crib is still the safest place for an
infant to sleep. To help reduce the number of infant deaths related to
unsafe sleep places:
● Infants should sleep only in cribs or bassinets approved by the
Consumer Product Safety Commission.
● Infants should sleep on a firm sleep surface, such as on a safety
approved crib mattress, covered by a tightly fitted sheet.
● Keep soft bedding, quilts, comforters, bumper pads, pillows,
sheepskin and toys out of the crib.
● Keep the infant’s sleep area close, but separate from where you
and others sleep.
● Always place the infant on his or her back to sleep.
For more information go to “Preparing for a Lifetime, It’s Every-one’s
Responsibility” at http://iio.health.ok.gov and click on Safe
Sleep, or view the AAP website at www.aap.org.
‘Safe sleep’ tips
for infants
3
As summer has turned into fall and fall is now
turning in to winter, we are losing daylight. Loss
of daylight can make people sad. Not just sad - as
in feelings of unhappiness or regret - but an actual
emotional condition that mirrors the change of season.
S.A.D., or seasonal affective disorder, is a mental
health condition associated with a decrease in the
amount of sunlight received.
S.A.D. may look like regular depression in many ways
but affects most people during the periods of shorter
light, such as winter. Symptoms of seasonal affective
disorder may include anxiety, feelings of depression, loss
of energy, hopelessness, irritability and other symptoms.
Treatment is available for seasonal affective disorder.
One recommendation is to increase the amount of
sunlight received.
Since most of us don’t have the option of moving
closer to the equator during the winter, though that is
effective, there are other alternatives.
One form of therapy is to increase the amount of
light received using light therapy. With this technique, a
doctor prescribes using a light box for a fixed amount of
time each day.
Another alternative may be for your doctor to
prescribe anti-depressant medication alone or in
conjunction with psychotherapy. Various types of
psychotherapy have been shown to be effective with
treating depression and this may be an option.
Getting out and exercising is also beneficial.
Being active can boost energy and you may feel
less depressed.
Exercise gets blood pumping and increases delivery of
oxygen to the brain and other parts of the body.
Of course, all of these approaches only should be started
after consulting with your primary care doctor to make
sure it is safe.
Dealing with S.A.D, depression at holidays
Nerve damage, blood flow problems and infections
can cause serious foot problems for people with diabetes.
Nerve damage can cause you to lose feeling in your feet.
Nerve damage also can deform or change the shape of
your feet and cause blisters, sores or ulcers. Poor blood
flow can make these injuries slow to heal.
Signs of Foot Problems
See your doctor right away if you have any of these
symptoms:
● Your feet tingle, burn or hurt.
● Your feet cannot feel heat, cold or touch.
● Loss of hair on feet, toes or lower legs.
● Dry or cracked skin on your feet.
● Toenails turn thick and yellow.
● Blisters, sores, ulcers, infected corns and ingrown
toenails develop.
How Can I Protect My Feet?
● Keep your blood sugar as close to normal as possible.
● Do not smoke or use tobacco.
● Ask your doctor to check your feet at every visit.
● Ask your doctor how to care for your feet.
● Check your feet each day for scratches, cracks, cuts
or blisters.
● Call your doctor if you have a sore on your foot.
● Wash your feet daily. Dry them carefully, especially
between the toes.
● Rub lotion or cream on the tops and bottoms of your
feet, but not between the toes. Ask your doctor what
kind of lotion to use.
● Do not soak your feet. Soaking your feet can lead
to infections.
Foot Problems & Diabetes
4
Your pharmacist is a very important part of your health care team.
Your pharmacist can:
● Tell you how your medicine works.
● Tell you the best way and right time to take your medicine.
● Warn you about side effects.
● Check to make sure that all your medicines work together safely.
● Help your doctor get prior authorization for the medicines that
need approval. Prior authorizations only work at one pharmacy.
If you switch to a different pharmacy, you may have to wait for a
new prior authorization before your prescription can be filled.
Mixing the wrong medicines can be very dangerous. If you take
your prescriptions to different pharmacies, the pharmacist will not be
able to make sure all your medicines work together safely. Allow the
pharmacy and pharmacist to work for you. Stick with one pharmacy!
Benefits of using one pharmacy
Antibiotics are powerful medications
that save lives when used correctly.
Antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses.
Viruses cause colds, influenza and most
sore throats. Antibiotics are not a proper
course of treatment for these illnesses.
When antibiotics are used improperly,
they can result in antibiotic resistance or
even serious side effects such as allergic
reactions.Incorrect antibiotics use results in
thousands of emergency room visits each
year.
Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant
bacteria have become increasingly
common in both health care and
community settings. Treatment of illnesses
caused by antibiotic-resistant organisms
can result in lengthy and repeated
treatments and hospitalizations.
Patients, health care providers, hospital
administrators and policy makers
must work together to utilize safe and
effective programs to ensure correct use
of antibiotics.
Use antibiotics correctly
Take the antibiotic exactly as the doctor
prescribes. Do not skip doses. Complete the
prescribed course of treatment, even if you
start feeling better.
● Only take antibiotics prescribed for
you; do not share or use leftover
antibiotics. Antibiotics treat specific
types of infections. Taking the wrong
medicine may delay correct treatment
and allow bacteria to multiply.
● Avoid saving antibiotics for the
next illness. Discard any leftover
medication once the prescribed course
of treatment is completed.
● Prevent infections by practicing
good hand hygiene and getting
recommended vaccines.
● Do not ask for antibiotics when your
doctor thinks you do not need them.
Remember antibiotics have side
effects. When your doctor says you
don’t need an antibiotic, taking one
may do more harm than good.
Proper use of
antibiotics urged
OHCA seeks input continued from page 1
Coordination of Care and Benefits
Sarah.Harding@okhca.org
This workgroup will look at proposals for provider education.
The group will talk with providers as they consider the impact of
the proposed changes. The group will also make sure prevention and
transitions are part of the proposal.
Communication: Outreach and Public Information
David.Ward@okhca.org
The communications workgroup will come up with a plan for
communicating with members and others.
Financing Strategies and Quality Medical Outcomes
Marva.Williamson@okhca.org
This group will look at performance, outcomes, financing and
other parts of the existing programs. Their recommendations will
include information about the plan’s effectiveness, quality and cost
outcomes for the target group.
The third SoonerCare Sooner Silver meeting is Jan. 19, 11
a.m. to 2 p.m. at OHCA – South in the Seminole Conference
Room. For more information contact Brandie Candelaria at
brandie.candelaria@okhca.org.
5
Vaccine records provided
Remember the Oklahoma State Department of Health
(OSDH) Immunization Service distributes the state's
official vaccination record, OSDH Form No. 218B. This
record is designed for parents to keep a personal record
of their child’s vaccinations from birth through adoles-cence.
It is made of tear and water resistant paper and
folds to credit card size. When signed or stamped by a
physician or clinic this record is accepted for a child to
attend childcare or school in Oklahoma and many other
states.
Healthy snacks
Provide healthy ingredients and let kids help in the
kitchen!
Homemade Berry Banana Smoothies
Blend fat-free, low-fat yogurt or milk with fresh or
frozen berries. Blend with bananas and ice for a tasty
treat. For a dairy-free alternative, try soy milk.
To add extra sweetness to your smoothie, try adding a
little 100 percent apple or orange juice to the mix!
Fruit kabobs
Assemble pieces of melon, apple, orange, pear and
banana on skewers for a fruity kabob.
Homemade trail mix
Look to your pantry for some ingredients to use for a
healthy alternative to store bought trail mix.
Use unsalted peanuts, cashews, walnuts, or sunflower
seeds mixed with dried apples, pineapple, cherries,
apricots, or raisins. Include whole-grain cereals or 100
percent cocoa powder to the mix, too.
Source: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/foodgroups/downloads/
TenTips/DGTipsheet11KidFriendlyVeggiesAndFruits.pdf
Acetaminophen is the generic name for Tylenol®. It
is found in many different over-the-counter cold
medicines. It is also in other drugs that require a
prescription, such as Lortab® and Vicodin®. It is used
to reduce fevers and to relieve pain.
Acetaminophen is safe and effective when used
correctly, but it can cause liver damage if you take too
much. Liver damage is very dangerous and can lead to
serious illness, or even death.
Look for the ingredients listed on the side of the box
or on the prescription printout to see if any of the
medicines you take contain acetaminophen. An
abbreviation for acetaminophen is “APAP,” so be sure
to look for this too. If more than one of your medicines
has acetaminophen, check with your doctor or pharma-cist
before taking them.
To protect yourself, the FDA recommends you:
1) Follow dosing directions and never take more
than directed. Even a small amount more than directed
can cause liver damage.
2) Don’t take acetaminophen for more days than
directed.
3) Don’t take more than one medicine that contains
acetaminophen at a time. For example, your risk of liver
damage goes up if you take a medicine that contains
acetaminophen to treat a headache and you take another
medicine that contains acetaminophen to treat a cold.
4) Don’t take acetaminophen if you are drinking
alcohol, or after drinking three or more alcoholic
beverages.
If you think you may have taken more acetamino-phen
than directed, contact the poison control center
(800-222-1222). For more information about using
acetaminophen safely, check with your pharmacist,
doctor or nurse.
Safe Use of
Acetaminophen
6
Disclaimer: Clinical, legal and other comments are offered for general
information only. Please talk to your doctor about specific health concerns.
Si usted quiere leer éste
artículo en español, visite
la pagina web del OHCA
al http://www.okhca.org/
soonercare companion.
This publication, printed by O. U. Printing Services is issued by The Oklahoma Health Care Authority as authorized
by Title VI and Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. 257,000 copies have been
prepared and distributed at a cost of $18,300.00 Copies have been deposited with the Publications Clearinghouse
of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. [74 O.S.2001 § 3105 (C)]Download additional copies on the OHCA
website http://www.okhca.org/soonercare companion - SNLENG-COMPAN-Winter 2011
Directions:
1. Line up the paper plates, one above the
other. Plates should be front side down. Poke a
hole at the bottom of the top plate, about a half
inch above the lip of the plate. On the second
plate, poke one hole at the top and one holeat
the bottom, again about a half inch above the
lip. Poke a hole at the top of the last plate.
2. Cut one pipe cleaner into three equal pieces.
Thread one through each of the holes to attach
the three plates together.
3. Draw or make the face from construction
paper and glue to top plate.
4. Make a hat from construction paper. Glue
on a band and holly leaf. Cut a hole at the top
of the hat to attach a ribbon or yarn hanger.
Instead of a hat you can make ear muffs from
a pipe cleaner and pom pom balls. Glue to the
top plate.
5. Add the hanger to the top plate.
6. Tie a scrap of fabric between plate one and
two.
7. Make holes in the plate to insert pipe clean-ers
for arms and tape to the back of the plate.
8. Glue or draw on buttons.
Hang your snowman on your door.
What you'll need:
• three paper plates, dinner or dessert size
• construction paper - black and colors
• pipe cleaners
• 2 large red pom pom balls for earmuffs
• scrap material for scarf
• ribbon or yarn for hanger
• three to five large buttons
• black marker
• white craft glue
• tape
Snowman Ornament
or Gift Tag
Supplies:
* white poster board
* black, red, green and orange
construction paper
* scrap cloth and yarn
Directions:
1. Cut three circles and one sign from
the white poster board. Overlap circles
and glue together.
2. Cut mitten shapes, hat, band, holly,
scarf and nose.
3. Use hole punch to cut black circles for
eyes, mouth and buttons.
Glue the snowman pieces together.
Punch a hole at the top of the hat and
add a yarn loop.
Paper Plate Snowman
Visit www.okhca.org/kids-corner for patterns.
7
Make a New Year’s resolution to
quit nicotine
Call the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW to work with
a Quit Coach on the best quit plan for you. The call is free, the coaching is
free and you may be eligible to receive free gum or patches.
Five Day Countdown
Start by visiting your health care provider and asking them for help with
quitting. Then make your home and vehicle a tobacco free zone.
5 Days Before Your Quit Date
Think about your reasons for quitting. Write them down.
Tell your friends and family you are planning to quit.
Stop buying cigarettes.
4 Days Before Your Quit Date
Pay attention to when and why you smoke.
Think of other things to hold in your hand instead of a cigarette
Think of habits or routines to change.
3 Days Before Your Quit Date
What will you do with the extra money when you stop buying cigarettes?
Make a list.
Think about who you can contact when you need help.
2 Days Before Your Quit Date
If you are using prescription medications or other quit smoking aides, make
sure you have those filled and you understand how to use them.
1 Day Before Your Quit Date
Put away lighters and ashtrays.
Destroy all cigarettes and matches.
Clean your clothes to get rid of the smell of cigarette smoke.
Quit Day
Think of yourself as a non-smoker.
Remind family and friends that this is your quit day.
Stay away from alcohol.
Do something special for yourself.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
SoonerQuit
Facts
Save Money
The average price for a pack of
cigarettes in Oklahoma is approxi-mately
$4.80.
At a pack a day, that adds up to
about $1,752 a year. Over 10 years,
that’s $17,520.
Save Time
On average it takes seven minutes to
smoke a cigarette. At a pack a day,
that’s just over two hours and 20
minutes. Over 10 years, that’s 354
days or almost one entire year spent
smoking.
Feel Better (Source: American
Lung Association)
Within 20 minutes of quitting:
Blood pressure decreases and pulse
rate drops.
Within 8 hours of quitting:
Oxygen level in blood returns
to normal.
Within 24 hours of quitting:
Chance of a heart attack decreases.
Within 48 hours of quitting:
Ability to smell and taste
is enhanced.
Within three months of quitting:
Circulation and lung
function improve.
Within nine months of quitting:
Coughing, sinus congestion,
wheezing, fatigue and shortness of
breath decrease.
Within one year of quitting:
Risk of coronary heart disease
is lowered to half of that of
a smoker.
“I made it one minute. I made it ten minutes.
And then all of the sudden, I made it an hour.
I made it two. And then, I made it a whole day.
I said, ‘I can do this’.”
Amy Rather, 31 | Smoked 5 years | Smokefree 3 years
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Twitter:
www.okhca.org/twitter.
Oklahoma Health Care Authority
2401 NW 23rd St.
Suite 1-A
Oklahoma City, OK 73107
www.okhca.org
Seven-year-old Piper Johnson’s mother, Barbara,
says the call she got from a SoonerCare outreach staff
member reminding her to renew her daughter’s health
insurance came not a moment too soon. A few days
later, Piper had been flown from her Wilberton home to
a Tulsa hospital, diagnosed with severe complications
from diabetes.
“The call and appointment came at just the right time
to save her life,” Barbara Johnson said. “She’s a happy,
healthy child and we didn’t know anything was wrong.”
Piper’s story and her mother’s call to thank a
SoonerCare outreach employee inspired OHCA’s new
campaign, “Tell Us Your Story.” The agency is asking
SoonerCare members to share their SoonerCare stories
and how it has made a difference in their lives and the
lives of their loved ones.
More than 472,000 Oklahoma children are
currently enrolled in SoonerCare. It provides medical,
dental and vision coverage for children who qualify.
Soonercare provides quality health care for 1 in 4
Oklahomans. If you are one of the more than 700,000
members, or a former member, OHCA wants to hear
from you! What has SoonerCare done for you or your
child? Whether it is life-saving medical treatment
or the ability to provide much needed care for your
child, we would like to hear how SoonerCare made a
difference in your life.
OHCA is asking SoonerCare members across
Oklahoma to share their SoonerCare stories and put
their stories on SoonerCare’s map.
Go to http://www.okhca.org/tell-us-your-story.aspx
and share your story.